The Baptism Decision

Recently, my husband and I were trying to decide if our seven-year-old son was ready to be baptized. He has autism, so we weren’t sure if he understood enough to be accountable for this decision. On page 18, you can read about the many things we considered as we tried to make the right decision.

As a Church disabilities specialist, I know that many wonderful people with disabilities desire to feel included at church. To all our brothers and sisters who have disabilities of one kind or another and to their families, we say: We love you, we need you, and we want to learn how to better minister to you.

Several articles in this issue help us understand disabilities and how we can better foster inclusion in our wards and communities:

Page 28: Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Seventy and his wife, Melissa, who have a child with disabilities, give hope and encouragement to parents.
Page 21: At the end of my article, you can find ideas on how to better accommodate members with disabilities in Church lessons and callings.
Page F16: Parents can use this story in the Friend to help their children see an example of being a friend to someone with a disability.

As you read this issue, remember that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10). We can help foster loving, inclusive home and Church environments so that all who want to come and be like Jesus have that opportunity.

With love,

Katie Edna Steed

Disabilities Specialist, Priesthood and Family Department